What are Gerunds and Infinitives?

Before we look at verb patterns, let’s quickly review what gerunds and infinitives are:

• A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that acts like a noun. For example, in I enjoy swimming, swimming is a gerund.
• An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually with to before it. For example, in I want to swim, to swim is an infinitive.

When two verbs are together, the first verb decides the form of the second verb.

Verbs Followed by Gerunds (-ing)

Many common verbs are always followed by a gerund (the -ing form of the verb). You cannot use to + infinitive after these verbs.

• We use avoid with a gerund: She avoids meeting new people.
• We use enjoy with a gerund: I enjoy watching movies.
• We use finish with a gerund: Have you finished studying?
• We use mind with a gerund (often in questions or negatives): Do you mind opening the window?
• We use suggest with a gerund: He suggested going for a walk.
• We use keep with a gerund: Keep practising, and you will improve.
• We use practise with a gerund: You should practise speaking English every day.

Remember that verbs after prepositions also always take the gerund form. For example:

• I'm good at playing tennis. (after at)
• She's thinking about moving to another city. (after about)
• I'm looking forward to seeing you. (after to, when to is a preposition)

Verbs Followed by Infinitives (to + verb)

Other common verbs are always followed by an infinitive (the to + base verb form). You cannot use the gerund after these verbs.

• We use decide with an infinitive: They decided to travel next month.
• We use expect with an infinitive: I expect to finish work early today.
• We use hope with an infinitive: She hopes to visit Paris soon.
• We use learn with an infinitive: He learned to play the guitar.
• We use need with an infinitive: We need to buy some food.
• We use offer with an infinitive: He offered to help me.
• We use plan with an infinitive: They plan to get married.
• We use promise with an infinitive: I promise to call you later.
• We use refuse with an infinitive: She refused to answer my question.
• We use want with an infinitive: I want to learn English.
• We use would like with an infinitive: I would like to drink some water.

Some verbs, like help, can be followed by an infinitive with to or without to. Both are correct: He helped me to carry the bags. or He helped me carry the bags.

Examples

• She avoids meeting other artists.
• The experience helped him to become a champion.
• Salma refused to give up.
• She learned to speak English quickly.
• Johnny Depp doesn't enjoy being famous.
• He was always thinking about making films.
• He loved using the family video camera.
• I just wanted to get out of school.
• I could start saving money.
• He decided to leave to study acting.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Spanish speakers often make mistakes with gerunds and infinitives because the rules are different from Spanish. Here are some common errors:

• Using infinitive after prepositions: In Spanish, you use the infinitive after prepositions (e.g., antes de salir). In English, you must use the gerund.
  Incorrect: I'm interested in to learn English.
  Correct: I'm interested in learning English.
• Confusing verbs that take gerunds with those that take infinitives: It's easy to mix them up. For example, after enjoy, you must use a gerund.
  Incorrect: I enjoy to travel.
  Correct: I enjoy travelling.
• Using gerund where an infinitive is needed: For verbs like want, you must use an infinitive.
  Incorrect: I want buying a new car.
  Correct: I want to buy a new car.

The best way to avoid these mistakes is to memorize the common verbs in each category and practise using them.

Frequently asked questions

How can I remember which verbs take gerunds and which take infinitives?

The best way is to learn common verbs in groups. You can make flashcards, create example sentences, or use the table provided in this post. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you remember these patterns naturally.

Are there any verbs that can take both a gerund and an infinitive?

Yes, some verbs can be followed by both a gerund and an infinitive. For example, like, love, hate, and start can often take either form with little or no change in meaning (e.g., I love swimming or I love to swim). However, some verbs change meaning depending on the form (e.g., remember, stop). For B1 level, focus on the verbs that have a fixed pattern first.

Why is it important to use the correct verb pattern?

Using the correct verb pattern makes your English sound more natural and correct. It helps you communicate clearly and avoid misunderstandings. It's a fundamental part of English grammar that improves your fluency and accuracy.

Related lessons

• Gerunds and infinitives
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